Impending Disaster

Jeremiah 1-6 proclaims destruction upon Judah for persistent unfaithfulness. The people have rebelled against God and walk in their own ways, serve idols and act corruptly. Judgment is pronounced upon Judah for all these things, and will come at the hand of the Babylonians.

Judgment cannot be postponed forever. We were made to serve God, and when we are not useful to Him, then bad things happen. Let us pray to God that we may serve Him every day.

Deception

Jeremiah 7-10 describes the lies and the idols that the people have trusted in. People listen to messages of peace when their actions have earned them destruction, and they believe that God approves of their wicked and idolatrous behavior, even burning their children as offerings to Molech. Their idols are a burden which do nothing except lead the people astray.

If we exchange truth for lies, then we should expect to be cheated and robbed. The truth is not easy to hear much of the time, but there are no substitutes for it. Let us live in the truth of God's word and thus keep what He has given us.

Desparately Wicked

Jeremiah 11-17 describes the broken covenant, the current uselessness of the people, and the curse which has fallen upon them because they trust in themselves. God no longer is listening to pleas for mercy for Judah at this point because of their hard hearts and wicked behavior. Their fate is sealed and the verdict as well as the sentence is final.

God, of course, has plans beyond the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of His people. He does intend to bring them back, but such wickedness calls for a thorough purging and cleansing that cannot be avoided.  Let us pray to God that He will keep us clean so that we may avoid His judgment.